‘Nettes fall to 5A Calhoun in non-region contest

Jasper, Ga — On Thursday, December 2nd, it was the Pickens Dragonettes turn to have their home opener of the 2021-22 season as they welcomed the Calhoun Lady Jackets out of the AAAAA classification. This game was originally scheduled for Friday, December 3rd, but was bumped up a day due to the Calhoun football team hosting a semi-final playoff game. The ‘Nettes, came into the game at 2-1 on the season getting wins over Gilmer and Copper Basin. Calhoun came in with a record of 4-1 on the season playing several big sized schools. Entering the game short handed, the Nettes did all they could, but the Lady Jackets took this one, 61-46.

In the first quarter, Calhoun got things going with the opening bucket of the game. Carmyn Mullins tied things up at 2 for the Nettes. The Lady Jackets then went on a 6-0 run to make it 8-2. After a pair of free throws from Mullins, Bella Hopkins connected on a three to make it 8-7. The two teams traded buckets for the rest of the quarter with Calhoun grabbing a 15-12 lead going to the second quarter.

Nettes with the ball on offense

In the second quarter, the Lady Jackets added to their lead with a three pointer to make it 18-12. From there, the Nettes went on a 7-0 run getting 5 points from Hopkins and a bucket from Amanda Nelson to give Pickens its first lead of the game, 19-18. The rest of the quarter saw Calhoun go on a 17-0 run to give them a 35-19 lead going to the break.

Nettes defending Calhoun in the paint

After Calhoun got things started in the third quarter with a bucket, Mullins went on a quick 4-0 run to make it 37-23. The teams again traded buckets for the majority of the quarter as the Lady Jackets kept their lead, 46-31, going to the fourth quarter.

Nettes looking to score

The fourth quarter saw the Nettes go on a 5-0 run to cut the Calhoun lead down to 46-36. After extending their lead back to 15, Pickens cut it down to 53-42. The Lady Jackets closed the game on an 8-4 run to give them the 61-46 win.

Leading scorers for Pickens:

Bella Hopkins: 17 points

Amanda Nelson: 12 points

Carmyn Mullins: 8 points

The Nettes, will be back on the road on Saturday afternoon as they head to Ellijay to battle the Lady Cats of Gilmer. Pickens won in a close one during the ETC Thanksgiving Tip-Off Tournament in Blue Ridge and more than likely this one will be a close, exciting one as well. Tip off is set for 3 pm.

RJ Casey